Utomi-headed advocacy organization warns of potential risks in Nigeria's forthcoming 2027 elections

Nigeria's democracy is facing a significant threat, according to the Movement for Credible Elections, which has cited manipulations of the 2026 Electoral Act as a major concern ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Pat Utomi, the leader of the MCE, expressed his concerns at a briefing in Lagos, stating that the manipulations of the Electoral Act reveal a desperate attempt by those in power to undermine the democratic process.

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Utomi warned that the recent actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Presidency could compromise the legitimacy of the state, and that the constitution is being violated at an alarming rate.

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If left unchecked, Utomi cautioned that the current situation could lead to the collapse of Nigeria's democracy, emphasizing the need for voices of reason to be heard.

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The MCE leader highlighted the issue of voter apathy, noting that the inclination to vote has dropped below 10 per cent of registered voters, as seen in the recent Abuja elections.

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Utomi warned that if citizens become disillusioned with the voting process, they may resort to violence and other forms of self-help, undermining the stability of the country.

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The MCE plans to establish independent Incident Reporting and Election Viewing platforms, where party agents can upload photographed Form EC8A, which will be transmitted to newsrooms of local and global television stations.

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The group also intends to recruit and deploy vote marshals, comprising former military and police personnel, to every polling station in the country to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

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Additionally, the MCE will launch a massive voter education and mobilization campaign to encourage citizens to participate in the electoral process and protect their votes.

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Utomi called on the media, academia, and civil society to hold authorities accountable for their actions, and to contest any abuses in the court of public opinion and in the courts of law if necessary.

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The MCE leader urged elders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to speak out against the erosion of power and to preserve the peace and integrity of Nigeria's democracy.

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Utomi emphasized that it is imperative for citizens to stand up and take action to save the future of their children and to prevent the country from being pushed into a politics of power erosion that would suffocate the legitimacy of the state.